Reports of child molestation have increased although there are not reliable statistics to indicate whether actual incidents of child molestation have increased. First-time offenders pose just as great a threat to children as do repeat offenders and many offenders go undetected or remain uncharged for long periods of time. When some offenders are charged, they may be charged with a crime that does not appear to be a child sex crime, such as disorderly conduct. The police, the State's Attorney's office, and the judiciary resolve these cases by differing degrees of discretion afforded them by the criminal justice system. The investigation considered not only Illinois law and sentencing but also rehabilitation of child sex offenders and alternatives to conviction. Mandatory sentencing and long terms of incarceration for repeat offenders are examined. A major problem in the prosecution of a child molestation case turns on the use of the child victim as witness. Issues involve competency and credibility of the child witness determined at the various stages of prosecution by the police, prosecutor, and judge. Present programs to treat sex offenders appear to be inadequate. Furthermore, child victims of sex crimes and their parents are often unable to use counseling that may be needed to alleviate a child's anxiety following a molestation incident. Sixty-five references, guidelines for the treatment of suspected rape victims, and selected offenses with which a child sex offender may be charged in Illinois are appended.